Job Description

Job Title: Deputy Country Director

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Contract Duration: 1 year, with the intention to extend

Working hours: Full-time, 40 Hours per week

DRS is looking for a Deputy Country Director for an INGO who will contribute to the effective planning, management, coordination and follow-up, as well as the further development, of the work and activities falling under the Ukraine Office’s mandate so as to achieve expected results, enhancing the overall impact, quality and coordination of organizations’ activities in Ukraine, and that the Office and its resources are managed efficiently.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the management, coordination, and development of the organization's operations across thematic areas, in Ukraine, promoting a strategic and relevant role for the INGO, also vis-à-vis global priorities.
• Support the management of the affairs, staff, and premises of the Ukraine Office.
• Contribute to staff management, including recruitment, selection, orientation, maintaining a safe, secure, and legally compliant work environment, and promoting personal and professional growth opportunities — including conducting annual performance and salary reviews.
• Develop and monitor budgets related to the work of the Office and contribute to oversight of financial reporting.
• Regularly assess and monitor developments and results of the organization's work in Ukraine, preparing periodic reports accordingly.
• Assess new opportunities for the INGO to pursue in Ukraine for resource mobilisation, and develop proposals for new initiatives.
• Stay informed of relevant developments concerning the work of the Office.
• Participate in meetings relevant to the Office’s work, including with Swedish and foreign authorities and organisations, representing the INGO in Ukraine.
• Initiate and maintain regular contact with relevant authorities, organisations, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to relevant organisational development initiatives and other joint initiatives across the INGO.
• Contribute to the development of strategies and priorities for Ukraine.
• Coordinate with other Offices, Thematic Experts, and other relevant staff to ensure synergies, alignment, and collaboration.
• Develop methodologies and tools for improving programmes.
• Conduct relevant research to inform and enhance the quality of programmes.
• Periodic travel to activity sites to implement the above duties successfully.

Qualifications

• Required knowledge, experience, skills, and attitudes for successful performance:
• Minimum 2–4 years of team management experience, including coaching, mentoring, and demonstrated leadership capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of international human rights theory and practice; a university degree with a specialisation in international human rights law or a related field is preferred.
• 5–7 years of documented experience in managing all aspects of programmes within human rights or development cooperation, including managing international development programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in planning, managing, and monitoring for results.
• Proven experience in developing and managing strategic partnerships.
• Experience working in one or more of the thematic focus areas of the INGO.
• Strong knowledge of international development cooperation methods and modalities.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams and produce innovative, practical solutions to complex situations.
• Fluency in English and Ukrainian, with excellent writing and communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, networking, and communication skills.
• Strong planning and organisational capabilities with a clear understanding of strategic goals.
• Supportive of a learning-focused environment with the ability to share knowledge and convey experiences effectively.
• Initiative-driven with the ability to prioritise tasks effectively.
• Able to work independently under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Flexible and proactive mindset with a drive for continuous improvement.
• High level of responsibility, commitment, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and adaptability.